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IELTS is an international English language test which:
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tests all 4 language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) |
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tests international English (no UK or US bias) |
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has wide global recognition |
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delivers results in 13 days. |
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offers a free 30-hour online preparation course on registration |
Find out more about IELTS’ modules, dates, fees and registration procedure on our main IELTS page.
IELTS is widely accepted in Europe. For the full list of recognising institutions please visit bandscore.ielts.org.
IELTS is tried and tested:
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IELTS is the fastest growing English language test in the world. IELTS is taken by well over 1,7 million tests sat each year in over 135 countries around the world. |
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IELTS is one of the most comprehensively researched tests ever and the product of 30 years of investment in development and fundamental research. |
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IELTS is produced by the experts in language assessment: Cambridge ESOL has over 95 years of unparalleled experience in developing reliable and relevant English language tests. |
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IELTS test scores are trusted by more than 7,000 organisations including universities, colleges, professional organisations and governments around the globe. |
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IELTS’ integrity is underpinned by strict test-day security and online technology. The IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) verification service enables universities and employers to authenticate Test Report Forms and to safeguard against fraud. |
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IELTS is a real-life test for the real world the face-to-face interaction in speaking tests prompts the most realistic performance from the candidate. |
Read below how Belgian universities and employers are using IELTS:
IELTS is one of the internationally recognised qualifications used by most Belgian universities and colleges of higher education for entry into their English-taught degree and master courses.
"The Louvain School of Management (the UCL’s business school) offers students numerous opportunities for international exchanges, including double degrees, work placements abroad and the CEMS (Community of European Management Schools)’s Master in International Management. Candidates are required to provide certified evidence of their level of competence in English. Since the Master’s degrees were started, more than 2/3 of candidates produced an IELTS score and last year over 95% of those who had taken IELTS had reached the required level (7.0 for the CEMS Master and for the double degrees).
As student mobility is a key aspect of the Bologna process, which in turn involves transferable skills and grades, we are very pleased with the way IELTS scores can be linked with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages as well as with its global recognition." Vincent Wertz (Pro-recteur à l'enseignement et à la formation), Philippe Parmentier (Directeur de l'Administration de l'enseignement et de la formation), Philippe Neyt (Directeur de l' Institut des Langues Vivantes), Paul Belleflamme (Professeur SSH/LSML)
"ULg - Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech has chosen IELTS as an exit examination to measure the level of our graduating students after they have received four years of English instruction at our Faculty. It is part of our Quality Assurance approach. Our students start sometimes with no English, and our objective is to bring them to a “good user” level. Using IELTS has allowed us to measure their level objectively, and we are very proud of their achievement.
We were also very pleased with the organization of the test on our campus – it was strict and professional but at the same time, our contact with the IELTS organizers was friendly, and our questions were answered rapidly." M-A Duffeler, Maître de Langues, ULg-GxABT
"Quality control through external assessment lies at the heart of the UCL’s education policy. Regarding language skills, nearly 8,000 students take an English course each year. In May 2009 a randomly selected sample of some 210 third-year students (most language courses are included in the Bachelor’s degrees) took IELTS (Academic) on the UCL’s campus. Although many of our courses are ESP-oriented, we wanted to use the same standardized test for all to obtain comparable results (in the four skills).
We were very pleased with our students’ results (B2 19.81%, C1 47.64 %, C2 30.18%), which we are now comparing with our own exams, as well as with the very professional test administration and flexible and reliable customer service." Vincent Wertz (Pro-recteur à l'enseignement et à la formation), Philippe Parmentier (Directeur de l'Administration de l'enseignement et de la formation), Philippe Neyt (Directeur de l'Institut des Langues Vivantes).
IELTS is formally recognised by EPSO (Office Européen de Sélection du Personnel) under art.45(2) of the Staff Regulations as evidence of the ability to work in a third language
Special needs: “I wanted to do a postgraduate degree in Canada for which I had to sit an English language test. I tried to apply for another language test available in Belgium but they were not helpful in regard to my dyslexia. With IELTS I was able to get adapted exam conditions in relation to my needs” I.T., student, Brussels.
Exchange programmes: “I had to take IELTS to go on an exchange next year. The organisation is professional and the staff is nice. Good job.” G.H., student, Ottignies.
Semester abroad: “IELTS is opening for me the doors to study for one semester in Vienna to improve my English and German and meet lots of people”. M.H, student, LLN.
Study opportunities:
A university student wrote: "Dear Professor, Following our e-mails exchange, I took the IELTS Academic at the British Council. I passed the exam with 7.5 out of 9 (7.5 is the score asked by Ox-Bridge to begin a Master degree). IELTS is really the key to access higher education in English and I think this is a quite reachable goal for students here in Louvain.. It could be really helpful for students who want/have to take this examination.to be prepared collectively to one of the major step to an international curriculum and so it could be a good idea to reintroduce an IELTS preparation lesson. Sincerely yours, S.A."
“I took IELTS to study at Edinburgh University. I am convinced that such a diploma will also help me to achieve personal projects like getting student jobs in Scotland and improve my career prospects.” A.G. student, Brussels.
“I took IELTS as it is a requirement to enter the Masters program at Maastricht University where all courses are given in English. Once I’ve got it I will be accepted.” A. S., student, Eupen.
“I took IELTS for Academic purposes. It was mandatory and I needed to achieve 7.5 or above. The ambiance of the test day was conductive of taking exams and I felt welcome. This test will allow me to take the course I have always dreamt of.” A.S., student, Brussels.
Work opportunities: “My boyfriend is going to work for one year in Australia and I’d like to join him. If I pass IELTS this will give me the opportunity to work there too. The test day was less stressful that I expected and the staff was very friendly”. H. VDB, Leuven
The British Council is able to organise an IELTS session on your campus no extra cost for your students from a list of 48 dates set worldwide by IELTS. More information from exams@britishcouncil.be
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